The Malaysian Insight

INTERNATIONAL hotel chains are disrespecting local culture by banning frontline staff from wearing hijab, Tourism and Culture Minister Nazri Aziz said today in his first comments over the raging issue.

The Padang Rengas MP hit out at the hotel chains, saying they would have to respect local cultural practices if they want to operate in Malaysia.

“They have to respect (us) if they come here,” said Nazri.

“Why do they want to come here if they want to opt for such policies. What’s wrong (with wearing hijab)?

“Is being naked better than wearing a ‘tudung’ at the frontline,” he said in a press conference after attending the soft launch of the Kuala Lumpur International Craft Festival 2017 in Parliament.

The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) has defended the policy, saying it is international practice and not meant to be discriminatory.

Its president Cheah Swee Hee said the hotels, especially international hotels, in Malaysia were following standard operating procedure (SOP) and policy on the matter. – November 14, 2017.